If you've been thinking about buying a co-op, condo, or townhouse, you probably know that you can't get much useful information from the books about buying houses. The obstacles you face are different-and often a lot more complicated. If you're not fully prepared and properly informed, the buying process and even ownership itself could turn into a nightmare. Price and financial situation are only part of the equation, and it's important to understand all the factors before deciding what sort of home to pursue. Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Co-op, Condo, or Townhouse is a one-stop guide to the particular challenges of buying, owning, living in and ultimately selling these homes.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a coop or condo apartment in New York City, this book is a must! Written by Neil Binder, co-founder and co-owner of the Bellmarc Companies, one of the largest residential brokers in New York City, this book details every essential point you need to know.

Steer clear of money pits and target the top properties in this hot investment sector! Condos, co-ops, and townhouses account for more than one-third of real estate sales in the United States. Fully updated to address the many changes that have occurred in the market since the first edition, Tips & Traps When Buying a Condo, Co-Op, or Townhouse, Second Edition, covers all the bases to help you navigate the process of buying into a shared-ownership development.

"Featuring Kay's exclusive buyer's checklists"--Cover.

Finding a condo, co-op, or townhouse to call home is hard enough, but finding financing to buy this kind of property is even more challenging. As a veteran mortgage banker and author of Mortgages 101, David Reed has helped thousands of buyers through this complicated process. Financing Your Condo, Co-op, or Townhouse offers readers invaluable advice, including information on developer financing, specialty loans, government programs and refinance loans, streamlining the approval process, appraisals, closing costs, and more. Readers will discover: • the differences among condos, co-ops, and townhouses • how to find the right type of property for them • the rules governing loans for condos, co-ops and townhouses • how to evaluate which loan type is best and lock in the lowest rate • why the percentage of owner-occupied units is important • what to consider when buying new construction or conversion properties • the financial considerations unique to each type of home Whatever the property, whatever the question...this handy guide to financing has the answers.

Offers a complete overview of these special, usually smaller, residences. It points out dozens of hints and suggestion as to what to look for as well as demonstrating the many mistakes common with these types of investments. You will learn how to find the best opportunities, to negotiate, finance, budget, handle pre-construction issues, set values, and make the offer. You will be able to define what you are buying (and what you are not) issues on your right to sell, lease, or mortgage. You will be prepared for restrictions pertaining to children, pets, parking, vehicles, boats, music, maintenance of windows, doors, screens, air conditioners, plumbing, club memberships, recreation facility leases, use of recreational facilities, and common areas. In addition, you will learn the advantages of using credit reports, home warranties, insurance, creative financing, closing procedures, moving plans, closing and settlement inspections, and certain legal contracts. You will have instruction in obtaining mortgages -- which government agencies can help, considerations for veterans, IRA use, hiring an attorney, calculating monthly payments, and establishing an escrow account. The real estate and mortgage glossaries alone are invaluable resources, even for the 'old hand' at property acquisition.